Following a narrow defeat to the Ospreys, the Durban side have officially cited Luke Morgan for the "cheap shot" that left Ethan Hooker with a dislocated shoulder. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
The Sharks have officially requested that the United Rugby Championship (URC) citing commissioner investigate an incident that left Ethan Hooker with a dislocated shoulder during their weekend clash against the Ospreys.
A source at the Sharks confirmed that management in Wales submitted a report and supporting medical documents to the commissioner on the night of the match, which the Sharks lost 21–17.
Hooker arrived back in Durban on Monday and is undergoing scans on Tuesday to determine the severity of the damage and his expected recovery period.
The incident occurred at the end of the first half. After collecting a brilliant offload from Vincent Tshituka, Hooker accelerated from his own 22 to the opposite try line. Ospreys wing Luke Morgan gave chase but failed to stop the score. However, Morgan then unnecessarily dived onto Hooker after the try was grounded, causing the injury.
While the TMO checked the legitimacy of the try regarding a potential knock-on in the build-up, Scottish officials Mike Adamson (referee) and Andrew McMenemy (TMO) strangely held no discussion regarding Morgan’s late, armless challenge on the prone player.
The Sharks are now demanding a full investigation into the "cheap shot." Given there were only four points (R75.86) separating the sides in a tight tussle, the loss of the influential Springbok centre significantly hampered the visitors' chances of securing a win.